Responsible Horse Ownership

Horse ownership is a challenging responsibility that can be richly rewarding. The decision to own a horse, while often influenced by emotion, should be based on an awareness of the time, resources, and money needed to insure the horse's well-being. As the adage goes, "It's not the buying of the horse, it's the keeping of the horse."

Good horse-keeping begins with solid facts about horses and their basic needs. A well-educated prospective owner is more likely to commit to providing a horse with a long-term home than someone who purchases a horse on impulse. The Equine Science Center is committed to providing resources for those considering horse ownership.

Below are some links to help you get started. We welcome your questions and comments. See if your question has already been answered at our Ask the Expert page, or contact us directly and we will forward your request to the appropriate personnel.

Equine Science Center Resources

Responsible Buying & Owning

Responsible Horse Ownership:
Factors to consider before buying your first horse
By: Dr. Sarah Ralston
The Economics of Horse-Keeping:
Financial factors involved in owning a horse and efficient ways to reduce cost in specific areas
By: Dr. Carissa Wickens
Business Planning for Equestrians
Analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and potential threats of your farm business through an assessment of specific areas for successful operation. Provides a paradigm for a business plan with solutions to the major areas of risk-management, production, management, marketing and finance. Focus on the quality of the business as it means of sustenance. Helpful ways to solidify a professional business plan.
By: Dr. Robin Brumfield
Horse Promotion and Marketability:
Overview of the horse industry and market value of horses based on various factors. Explanation of the four interdependent enthusiast/professional/breeder/market groups. Overview of horse assessment and market analysis.
By: Dr William Day
Improving Pasture for Reduced Feed Costs:
Goals of horse farm pastures and their advantages. Explanation of pasture maintenance improving quality, seeding and grazing schedules, fertilization and waste management.
By: Dr. Carey Williams
Economical Veterinary Care:
An evaluation of the current economic climate with regard to the equine industry. Suggestions on prophylactic care and responsible horse ownership.
By: Dr. Michael Fugaro
Economics of Owning a Horse:
An overview of the yearly and one-time expenses of owning horses, as well as various circumstantial considerations about owning a horse. Visual breakdowns of the various expenses involved.
By: Diana Orban Brown

Frequently Questioned Topics

Buying Your First Horse - Considering if you are ready Cost determinants when buying your horse Cost to keep a horse Finding a stable to board your horse Where to purchase Considerations for choosing the right horse Pre-purchase vet checks	Saddling and Bridling Horses Safely - Proper ways to saddle a horse Adjusting the girth Proper bridling and bit placement Untacking your horse
Mounting, Dismounting and Riding Horses Safely - Tips on mounting your horse Using a "leg-up" Proper dismounting When your horse is in fear... Where to ride Riding etiquette Guidelines for riding on the road & at night Caring for tack	Trail Riding Etiquette for Horse Enthusiasts - Safety concerns for you and your horse Horse vita signs Trail etiquette Horse traffic laws Post-trail ride horse care

	The Basics of Equine Behavior - Expressions of dominance Horse psychology Feral colt behavior Signs of submission Alpha mares Horse leg movements explained cribbing & weaving behavior
West Nile Virus in Horses - What is it? How is it contracted? Health concerns Actions if your horse shows symptoms Reducing the risk of infection Vaccinations Additional resources	Safety Recommendations for the Stable, Barn Yard, and Horse/Livestock Structures - Barn/Stable maintenance Installing lightning rods Basics of building a barn Hay storage Paddock/pasture maintenance Safety for riding arenas
Horse Trailer Maintenance and Trailering Safety - Buying a trailer Safety checklist Trailer maintenance Loading your horse Transportation veterinary requirements Unloading	Fire Prevention and Safety Measures Around the Farm - Around the Farm Storing hay in your barn Barn building safety Using extension cords in the barn Avoiding electrical fires Lightning precautions Smoke detectors
Farm Machinery and Equipment Safety Part I: Recognizing and Understanding the Hazards - Storing your farm vehicles Precautions dragging an indoor ring	Farm Machinery and Equipment Safety Part II: Preventing Machinery Accidents During Operation - Precautions around power tools & farm equiptment Parking farm equiptment What is "ROPS"? What is "FOPS"? Machinery maintenance tips
Are You "Stressing Out" Your Horse? - Equine stressors Responding to horse's stress What is "critical temperature"? Reducing transportation stress "Shipping Fever" Oxidative stress & effects Ulcers & prevention Tying-up & treatment Minimizing stress for your horse
Equine Stress Management - Types of stress & effects Competitive events Impact on immune system Weaning foals	Management of Old Horses - When are horses "old"? Tips for arthritic horses Losing weight Teeth maintenance Pituitary/thyroid tumors & management Feeding horses with kidney or liver failure
Eastern Equine Encephalitis - What is EEE? Symptoms and treatment Human threats? Protecting Horses & Humans Treatment	The Horse Industry’s Responsibility to Animal Welfare - Animal rights vs. Animal welfare Addressing animal rights
Metabolic Problems in the Horse: Sorting out the Diagnosis - Insulin resistance in horses Cushing's disease Metabolic syndrome Horse feed glycemic index Hyperinsulinemia Checking blood for glucose & insulin Feed changes for metabolic problems in horses	To Blanket or Not To Blanket? - Blankets 101 When to blanket Prevent growing a winter coat Equine thermoregulation blanket maintenance
Accident-Proofing Farms and Stables - Liability protection Pond Safety	Revisiting the Henneke Body Condition Score

Unwanted Horse Coalition Resources

Unwanted Horse Coalition Website

Additional Resources

The death of a horse is never easy to accept, especially if you decide to put the horse down. Since the decision of how to end a horse or pony's life is often made under extreme stress, it helps if one already has a plan to follow - or is at least familiar with the various options available for euthanasia and removal of the body.

Though euthanasia may be a difficult subject to address, the following websites provide valuable information and offer guidance to assist in making the responsible and appropriate decision. We recommend bookmarking these sites for future reference.

American Association of Equine Practitioners
Euthanasia: The Most Difficult Decision
University of California-Davis Veterinary Medicine
The Emergency Euthanasia of Horses